Two Charged in Burglary Spree of 35+ Homes in 2 States

Two men suspected of being involved in dozens of burglaries were arrested Feb. 18 by Pelham Police.

Matthew Szczechura, 29, of Pelham, and Jeffrey Lavoie, 26, of Hudson are charged with multiple burglaries across several towns in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

Due to a recent rash of area burglaries in Pelham, Hudson, Dracut and Tyngsborough, a regional burglary task force was formed. In total, these towns experienced approximately 35 daytime burglaries. During most of the burglaries, the suspects used forced entry and targeted jewelry and electronics. Detectives subsequently located two suspects believed to be committing a majority of these burglaries. Stolen items from the burglaries were located at several area pawns shops. After a six-week investigation, evidence was obtained to question Lavoie and Szczechura.

On February 18 at approximately 5 p.m., a vehicle was stopped on Mammoth Road in Pelham. Szczechura and Lavoie were in the vehicle, along with evidence discovered at the scene which led to their arrest.

After the arrests, detectives learned that earlier on Feb. 18, the towns of Windham, Danville and Sandown had experienced daytime burglaries (four in total).  The regional burglary task force was able to connect the vehicle the two were in each with each of those towns on this same date. Evidence from those burglaries burglaries was found on the suspects when they were stopped.

The vehicle has been seized pending a search warrant. Detectives have confirmed that the suspects were involved in approximately 20 burglaries that occurred in Pelham, Windham, Hudson, Danville, Sandown, Dracut, Mass., and Tyngsborough, Mass. Detectives believe that these two suspects may have been involved in several more unsolved burglaries from other area towns.

Pelham Police Lt. Brian McCarthy said none of the charges involved Nashua burglaries, but added that the investigation is ongoing.

Matthew Szczechura is charged with fugitive of justice (burglary warrant Dracut, Mass.); burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary (Pelham). Jeffrey Lavoie was charged burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary (Pelham). Further burglary-related charges will be followed by Dracut, Tyngsborough, Windham, Hudson, Sandown and Danville police departments Both men are currently being held pending arraignment at Salem District Court.